Must-sees in Rotterdam: Your Ultimate Bucket List for 2027
Rotterdam never stands still. The city keeps building, changing and surprising you. In 2027, there are new places, special openings, major events and exciting developments to look forward to. Rotterdam will also celebrate several landmark anniversaries, including 40 years of Rotown, 50 years of World Port Days, 90 years of De Kuip and 100 years of the Natural History Museum Rotterdam. Find inspiration for your visit to Rotterdam.
A look back at the highlights of 2026
2026 brought plenty of changes to Rotterdam. The Nederlands Fotomuseum moved to the historic Santos warehouse on Katendrecht. Tramhuis opened on Eendrachtsplein as a walking tour kiosk for visitors and locals. Museum Rotterdam also received the keys to the Steigerkerk, an important step towards a new city museum. In Rotterdam South, the revamped Baroeg opened its doors as a venue for alternative music.
Nederlands Fotomuseum
Discover the Nederlands Fotomuseum in the historic Santos warehouse on Katendrecht.
Tramhuis
Start exploring Rotterdam at Tramhuis, right in the heart of the city.
Museum Rotterdam
Based at the Steigerkerk on Hang, Museum Rotterdam is working towards a new city museum.
Baroeg
The revamped Baroeg on Spinozaweg is the place for fans of alternative and heavy music.
Museum Rotterdam opens at Het Steiger
The story of Rotterdam is getting a new home at Het Steiger, a historic building from the city’s post-war rebuilding period. The first part of Museum Rotterdam is expected to open here in the city centre in late 2026, providing a permanent home for Museum Rotterdam ’40–’45 NOW. Discover how the Second World War and the bombing of Rotterdam shaped the city. A range of pop-up activities will give you a taste of the future city museum.
Art and culture to look forward to
There’s even more for art lovers to discover in 2027. The Nederlands Fotomuseum presents Screen Melancholy by Li Yi-Fan (from 22 January), a digital installation where a virtual puppet guides you through a recreated exhibition space on a large screen. Kunsthal Rotterdam presents shimmering sculptures and installations by Monira Al Qadiri (from 26 February). At Depot Boijmans Van Beuningen, you can experience a monumental textile work by Ernesto Neto (from 17 April). The exhibition by Luigi & Iango (from 25 September) brings together fashion photography and portraits of international stars. Kunsthal Rotterdam closes the year with monumental installations by Anish Kapoor (from 4 December).
Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen is also preparing for a new chapter. Its long-awaited renovation is expected to start in summer 2027. The museum will get a new entrance and become more accessible. It is expected to reopen at the end of 2030.
The Phantom of the Opera tickets go on sale
Tickets for The Phantom of the Opera are on sale now. In 2027, more of the mystery is set to unfold, with news about the cast and the Dutch production. From spring 2028, Andrew Lloyd Webber’s world-famous musical will be performed exclusively at the Nieuwe Luxor Theatre.
Hofplein is turning green
Over the coming years, Rotterdam will become even greener, with more squares, parks and streets where you can walk, exercise or relax. Green spaces help cool the city, absorb rainwater, improve air quality and support nature. Hofplein is becoming a green square around its famous fountain, with more space for people walking and cycling. The work is expected to be complete by the end of 2027. Rotterdam is also developing Hofbogenpark on the old railway viaduct, Nelson Mandelapark in the Maashaven and new parks in and around the Rijnhaven.
The streets as a dance floor: the Dance Parade could return to Rotterdam in 2027.
Festivals full of energy
Rotterdam’s festivals give you plenty to see, hear and take part in throughout the year. A highlight is the 50th edition of World Port Days, from 3 to 5 September 2027. See ships up close, enjoy shows on the water and explore the port on excursions.
The International Film Festival Rotterdam, NN North Sea Jazz Festival and the colourful street parade of Rotterdam Unlimited Zomercarnaval also give you plenty of reasons to plan a city break in Rotterdam.
Spring events
Design Biennale Rotterdam
From February, discover innovative design at unexpected locations across Rotterdam. Exhibitions and special presentations bring together work by makers from Rotterdam and international designers.Museumnacht010
On Saturday 6 March 2027, Rotterdam’s museums and art venues welcome you late into the night. Explore exhibitions, enjoy performances and take part in special activities.Rotterdam Art Week
From 17 to 21 March 2027, discover art at more than 50 locations. Combine a visit to Art Rotterdam at Rotterdam Ahoy with open studios, exhibitions and art tours.Rotterdamse Dakendagen
Head up to the rooftops in late May and see Rotterdam from a different perspective. As part of Rotterdam Architecture Month in June, the festival opens up rooftops that are usually closed to the public.
Beach Volleyball World Championships at the Rijnhaven
The Rijnhaven will host the Beach Volleyball World Championships in 2027. Watch top international teams in action, with Rotterdam’s skyline in the background. The tournament takes place from 13 to 22 August in four Dutch cities, including Rotterdam.
A solar eclipse over Rotterdam
If skies are clear, you can see a partial solar eclipse over Rotterdam on Monday 2 August 2027. At around 11.05 am, the moon will cover about 40% of the sun. Get your eclipse glasses ready and find out where and how to watch this special moment safely.
Top 10 Places to Visit
These are the top 10 places to visit in Rotterdam with striking architecture and cultural highlights like the Depot, Cube Houses (Kubuswoningen) and Markthal.
